Any expected benefits of the runway and facility expansion should be weighed against the impact on the surrounding environment, which includes the citizens living nearby, not just the birds, snakes and lizards. I could find no facts in the Mar 16 "Our View" piece supporting the assertion made either in the headline ("Airport extension vital ...") or in the text's statement that "... expansion ... is a key to business growth in the county." Who says, and on what basis? Aside from the developers and a couple of vendors at the airport, we're certainly not going to benefit much from those larger corporate jets bringing exec's who're heading up to Charlotte. What credible studies have been done to link business growth in York County to a lengthened runway facility? Perhaps the assertions are correct, but if the citizens are to support this expansion, they're going to have to be persuaded by facts, not mere assertions. If there are quantifiable benefits, how do they balance with the negative impact on the nearby citizens and property owners? Has a formal environmental impact study been performed? None was mentioned. Is it not required by federal regulations before such a project can be approved? If one has been done, did it examine the effects on the citizens near the airport and not just the air, trees and "critters"? The officials were right in halting this project until more dialogue with the airport's neighbors can be held. One hopes that dialogue will include a factual rationale for the proposed expansion.
AOD and Expansion was already a "Done Deal"
No matter what anyone tells you, the airport expansion plans and the Airport Overlay District was already agreed upon before the first meeting at the Nature Museum was even organized. Whatever the Rock Hill City Council wants, they get, no matter who they step on in the course. I have personally had problems with them in the past and know this to be a fact. They will lie, cheat, whatever it takes to get their way, just as a little child would do. I hope and pray that everyone who got out and worked to keep it off the agenda will be rewarded in one way or another. I also hope and pray that every one of the Planning Commission members and the Rock Hill City Council will have nothing but bad luck for the rest of their lives. Maybe they will find out that some of the Thermalkem poison underneath the ground has somehow seeped into their areas where they live and in the long run, they won't be able to sell their properties and will be stuck with something they don't want and can't do anything about it. Sorry to everyone who did come to all of the meetings and try so hard, especially Scott Ball, but as I said, it was already a "DONE DEAL" from the beginning. Think about it!